The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today announced two new deals to make Oyster more convenient and easier to purchase for both Londoners and international visitors to the capital.

The Mayor joined Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar, at St Pancras International station to mark the agreement that will see Visitor Oyster Cards, for the first time, sold on Eurostar services into London from 20 March.  The Mayor also announced that 1,700 new Oyster Ticket Stops will be rolled out in shops across London by June. This means that Transport for London will expand the number of local shops and newsagents that sell Oyster to nearly 4,000, making it easier for Londoners' to buy and top-up their cards.

Visitor Oyster cards sold on Eurostar will make life easier for visitors to London, providing an easier start to their trip, and allowing them to become familiar with London's transport system without the need to purchase tickets on arrival. Visitors to London will now enjoy the same benefits of faster and more convenient travel that Oyster provides for millions of Londoners.

The Mayor said: "With almost 4,000 Oyster Ticket Stops across the city by June, more Londoners than ever will be able to access better value Oyster fares. This is also good news for the extra 1,700 small, local businesses who will get a boost to their income by joining the Oyster Ticket Stop network.

"Making it easier for Eurostar passengers to buy Visitor Oyster Cards will help European visitors to London enjoy the cheapest and most convenient journeys on London's public transport network when they arrive in the city."

Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar said: "Oyster cards are a great way for visitors to London to get around the city. Selling them onboard means that visitors can begin exploring London as soon as they arrive at St Pancras international."

Oyster is a huge success with more than 17 million cards issued since its launch in 2003. The Visitor Oyster Card is a branded card from Transport for London, pre-loaded with pay as you go and ready to use on the system for passengers as soon as they arrive in central London. The card costs £12 and includes £10 pay as you go credit that is already pre-loaded.